Lawmakers Wednesday announced $6.6 million in federal funding to replenish resources and fund recruitment and retention efforts for ten Erie County hospitals and behavioral health providers.

The funding is the result of bipartisan legislation passed by the General Assembly in January.

“Staffing shortages have not only strained our health care resources, but can affect patient care," said Rep. Bob Merski. "Securing this funding brings relief to frontline workers and also helps ensure that Erie residents continue receiving the dedicated level of health care they deserve.”

The funding includes the following:

  • LECOM Health Corry Memorial Hospital -- $118,100
  • Millcreek Community Hospital Erie -- $1,040,815
  • Saint Vincent Hospital -- $2,054,945
  • UPMC Hamot -- $2,704,496
  • Sarah A Reed Children's Center -- $236,045
  • Harborcreek Youth Services -- $186,351
  • Gaudenzia Crossroads -- $139,763
  • Gage House Erie -- $46,588
  • Stairways Stabilization & Diversion Unit -- $46,588
  • Long Term Structured Residence -- $43,482

The money is part of Act 2 of 2022, legislation that appropriated $225 million to support the following health care areas: 

  • $100 million to be distributed to acute care, critical access, and children’s hospitals licensed by the Department of Health on a per-bed basis. The funding will be used strictly for recruitment and retention payments to direct care staff. 
  • $110 million to be distributed on a per-bed basis to high-Medical Assistance hospitals, designated Critical Access Hospitals, and inpatient and residential behavioral health facilities for recruitment and retention payments to key staff. 
  • $15 million to quadruple the funds available for the nurse loan forgiveness program at Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), a high-demand program which has already received more than 20,000 applications by the March 1st deadline.

“We must take the health of our community seriously, and that means caring for the people who care for them," said Rep Ryan Bizzarro. "This is just the beginning of the support they deserve.”